Colomera offers two very different ways to explore: buildings with a long history and trails ranging from a short walk to a several-hour hike. This raises a practical question when planning your trip: would you mainly like to explore the church, castle and bridge, or get to know Colomera through its trails and viewpoints as well?
Church, castle and traces of history
The Iglesia Parroquial de la Encarnación was built in the 16th century on the site of an earlier mosque and combines Gothic and Mudéjar elements. The church has three naves and a Mudéjar wooden roof structure, painted by Miguel de Quintana in 1544. On 22 February 1980, it was declared a Bien de Interés Cultural. Its construction period, design and protected status mark different historical milestones.
The Castillo de Colomera also links local history with a striking location: the chronicler Ibn Hayyan mentioned the fortress as early as the 10th century, describing it as a foundation of the Cordoban army. From its elevated position, designed to defend the area, it overlooks the town and the surrounding valley. The Arab fortress probably consisted of an alcazaba and a middle and outer defensive area. The cautious wording matters: this layout is considered likely, not certain.
The Puente Romano offers a different perspective. The single-arch bridge dates from the Roman-medieval period and measures 16 metres in length, up to seven metres in height and 3.80 metres across the roadway. Its spandrels and abutments are made of ashlar; remnants of old roads can be found nearby. The Visigothic necropolis is also part of Colomera’s historical heritage: 47 graves were recorded there in 1986. The few grave goods included ceramic vessels, rings, earrings, and copper or iron jewellery.
Choosing a route: a short walk or a longer hike
The Ruta de las Fuentes is an easy 1.8-kilometre walk. It connects the Pilar de la Higuera, the Pilarillo, the Pilar Leones, the former public washhouse Las Fuentes and the Fuente Cristino. The sequence of several named stops makes this loop a different kind of outing from a hike whose main appeal lies in its length and high point.
The longer Ruta de Colomera starts and ends in the town. It is 17.2 kilometres long, rated moderate and estimated to take around five hours. Its highest point is the Puerto de los Lobos Harteros, which offers panoramic views of the Embalse de Colomera and the town. This means a short loop featuring springs and a washhouse and a long route with scenic views are two clearly different options. Trail conditions can vary; check them before setting out.
Viewpoints and pilgrimage
The Torre Atalaya de Colomera also offers a unique perspective on the landscape. It stands on a small hill at an altitude of more than 1,000 metres and overlooks the Río Colomera valley and the present-day town. The Área recreativa Los Pinos recreation area offers views of the surrounding sierras and lies on the route to El Pino Solitario. The Área recreativa El Puntalillo is in the natural area of the same name and also offers views of the sierras. The Torre del Chopo is classified as a Bien de Interés Cultural.
The Romería de la Virgen de la Cabeza is another link between Colomera and the surrounding area. The pilgrimage sets off from Colomera on the Thursday before the last Sunday in April and passes through villages, valleys and river areas on its way to Cerro del Cabezo de Andújar. It has taken place every year since 1227 and is considered Spain’s oldest pilgrimage. The specific starting day varies from year to year. Colomera is also a stop on the Ruta del Califato, adding links between local history and cultural routes without creating a fixed itinerary.
Discover more destinations: Gor, Pampaneira, Huétor Vega, Ogíjares, Pórtugos, Albolote, Huétor - Santillán, Velilla-Taramay.
For the full travel overview: Granada.
